Florida Gators Football: Martez Ivey Fullfilling Dream

In perhaps their biggest coup of the day, the Florida Gators and new head coach Jim McElwain pulled in Apopka High offensive lineman Martez Ivey (6’5″, 290lb).

A consensus five star and the number one offensive lineman across the board, Ivey was choosing between Florida and the Auburn Tigers.

Despite seeing several other Gator targets sign with Auburn earlier in the day and having his best friend Chandler Cox already enrolled in Auburn, Ivey wasn’t swayed and instead stayed with the school he’s always dreamt of being at.

“When I received my offer two years ago, that’s just where I wanted to play”, Ivey said.

“I grew up a Gator fan, but I wanted to weigh my options, explore my opportunities. I’m not naive to the fact that I’m getting a free education so why not explore my opportunity to go play somewhere else and at the same time get an education, so I wanted to see what was best. But my heart was telling me Florida Gators, Florida Gators, Florida Gators.”

Ivey’s announcement was shown live on ESPNU and his excitement was palpable while waiting for his signal. Bouncing up and down in his seat, he had a smile that he couldn’t hide.

Once he’d put on the Gator cap and declared his intentions, Ivey got to have a little fun with teammates, mock signing papers (his National Letter of Intent had been signed previously) and posing for pictures.

Perhaps the reason for Ivey’s ease was his complete confidence in his decision. There were no last minute contemplation’s or cold feet. In fact Ivey had told McElwain two days earlier that he would be committing to his first signing class.

McElwain said that push from Ivey was needed now and for down the stretch.

“Tez was as you know, one of those that was a huge need for us and I think that really gave us some great momentum.”

GatorCountry.com was there at Ivey’s announcement and spoke with him about his decision, the recruiting process and about what he’s most excited for.

About Kassidy Hill

Born into a large family of sports fanatics and wordsmiths alike, sports journalism came natural to Kassidy. It’s more than a passion; it’s simply a part of who she is. Hailing from Alabama in the midst of typical Iron Bowl family, she learned very quickly just how deep ties in the SEC could run. She came to Gainesville after college to pursue a degree as television sports reporter but quickly realized she missed writing. She’s excited to now marry the two aspects for Gator fans. She loves Jesus, her daddy and football; wants to be Billy Donovan’s best friend and firmly believes that offensive lineman are the best people on earth. Follow her on Twitter @KassidyGHill

In perhaps their biggest coup of the day, the Florida Gators and new head coach Jim McElwain pulled in Apopka High offensive lineman Martez Ivey (6’5″, 290lb).

A consensus five star and the number one offensive lineman across the board, Ivey was choosing between Florida and the Auburn Tigers.

Despite seeing several other Gator targets sign with Auburn earlier in the day and having his best friend Chandler Cox already enrolled in Auburn, Ivey wasn’t swayed and instead stayed with the school he’s always dreamt of being at.

“When I received my offer two years ago, that’s just where I wanted to play”, Ivey said.

“I grew up a Gator fan, but I wanted to weigh my options, explore my opportunities. I’m not naive to the fact that I’m getting a free education so why not explore my opportunity to go play somewhere else and at the same time get an education, so I wanted to see what was best. But my heart was telling me Florida Gators, Florida Gators, Florida Gators.”

Ivey’s announcement was shown live on ESPNU and his excitement was palpable while waiting for his signal. Bouncing up and down in his seat, he had a smile that he couldn’t hide.

Once he’d put on the Gator cap and declared his intentions, Ivey got to have a little fun with teammates, mock signing papers (his National Letter of Intent had been signed previously) and posing for pictures.

Perhaps the reason for Ivey’s ease was his complete confidence in his decision. There were no last minute contemplation’s or cold feet. In fact Ivey had told McElwain two days earlier that he would be committing to his first signing class.

McElwain said that push from Ivey was needed now and for down the stretch.

“Tez was as you know, one of those that was a huge need for us and I think that really gave us some great momentum.”

GatorCountry.com was there at Ivey’s announcement and spoke with him about his decision, the recruiting process and about what he’s most excited for.

Kassidy HillKassidyHillkassidyhill0420@gmail.comAuthorBorn into a large family of sports fanatics and wordsmiths alike, sports journalism came natural to Kassidy. It’s more than a passion; it’s simply a part of who she is. Hailing from Alabama in the midst of typical Iron Bowl family, she learned very quickly just how deep ties in the SEC could run. She came to Gainesville after college to pursue a degree as television sports reporter but quickly realized she missed writing. She’s excited to now marry the two aspects for Gator fans. She loves Jesus, her daddy and football; wants to be Billy Donovan’s best friend and firmly believes that offensive lineman are the best people on earth. Follow her on Twitter @KassidyGHillGatorCountry.com